Lucasfilm Animation VP Discusses Underworld Tales and Maul: Shadow Lord: 'An Enhanced Approach'

If Star Wars Celebration Japan is any indication, fans are in for a treat with upcoming animated Star Wars projects. Athena Portillo, Vice President of Animation at Lucasfilm, shared exciting details about two highly anticipated series in an exclusive interview with IGN: the newly announced *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord*.

Portillo expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with Sam Witwer, the voice behind Darth Maul in Star Wars animated projects, on *Maul: Shadow Lord*. "Sam was deeply involved in developing the character's depth and lore, working closely with our head writer and supervising director," she told IGN at Star Wars Celebration Japan. "He's instrumental in shaping Maul's character, having co-created him with [Lucasfilm CCO Dave] Filoni in animation. Sam reviews scripts, watches whip reels, and provides valuable input."

While Darth Maul is no stranger to Star Wars fans, *Maul: Shadow Lord* promises to explore his story in unprecedented depth. "It's like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees," Portillo humorously noted. "You keep killing them, but they keep coming back. That's the essence of Star Wars, right? Maul has died multiple times, yet he always returns. We're diving deep into his history in these stories."

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Portillo highlighted the significant enhancements in Lucasfilm Animation's production process, emphasizing improvements in "animation, lighting, effects, matte paintings, lighting concepts, and assets."

"When Filoni initiated the Maul show post-Covid, he challenged the team to step out of their comfort zones," Portillo explained. "He urged us to create something beyond our usual standards, from animation styles to body mechanics and facial animations. We've upgraded our body rigs and lighting. After watching an episode recently, Filoni remarked, 'Wow, you guys are creating cinema.' He's incredibly proud of what Lucasfilm Animation has accomplished with this series."

Portillo added, "Everything is an upgrade from our previous works, including *The Bad Batch* and *Tales of the Underworld*. We've just completed *Tales of the Underworld* and are set to release *Maul* in 2026, though we're still refining it."

*Tales of the Underworld* will focus on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane, exploring their villainous journeys across six episodes, three for each character. Ventress' storyline will delve into "the opportunity Mother Talzin gave her to return," according to Portillo. "In the first short, Ventress meets a boy, leading to a tale of two Jedi on the run and a developing relationship over the three shorts."

Ventress' story picks up from the *Dark Disciple* novel, where she was considered to have died and been reborn. Portillo confirmed that *Tales of the Underworld* continues this narrative. "The connection between Quinlan Vos and Ventress was a highlight," she said. "When Vos declared his love for her, it resonated deeply with fans. These love stories, despite the Jedi's supposed detachment, captivate audiences, much like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Satine, or Padme and Anakin."

Portillo also touched on Ventress' introspection regarding her past. "After enduring much, characters often reassess their paths," she noted. "Some choose exile, distancing themselves from their history, while others embrace the dark side. In Ventress' story, the character she meets in the first short serves as a positive influence, encouraging her to be a better person."

Both *Tales of the Underworld* and *Maul: Shadow Lord* promise to enrich the Star Wars universe. *Tales of the Underworld* is slated for release on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, with *Maul: Shadow Lord* expected in 2026.